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23 Things To Avoid When You Break Up With Someone

Breakups are always tough.

Hurt feelings, resentment, and unhappiness just come with the territory. But while you may not be able to control those feelings of heartbreak and sadness, there is something you can do to help yourself heal and move on -- avoid doing these 23 things during a breakup.

1. Don't forget the practical things. Does your ex have your passwords, keys, or other possessions? Make a plan to recover those things and go through with it, says expert Toni Coleman.

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2. Don't try to punish your ex. It won't take away your hurt or make you feel better. In fact, it'll probably make you feel worse.

3. Don't consider getting back together for several weeks. "When folks bounce back and forth, in and out of relationships, it is usually a sign that they don’t want to be in the relationship but have wrong reasons for remaining," Coleman says. "For instance, they might have a fear of being alone or a fear of loneliness."

5. Don't worry about mutual friends. Experts say friends should be a non-factor in breakups. If they take your ex's side, they aren't your real friends, anyway.

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6. Don't call or text your ex. "[Your ex] may see it as a sign you are unsure and you want to try again. You just need time and space, but you’ll eventually return," Coleman says.

7. Don't lead them on. Avoid phrases like "I need some space" or "I just need some time." Give it to them straight when you're breaking up.

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8. Don't immediately start a new long-term relationship. "The time after a breakup is a magical one," says relationship expert Tanisha Ranger. "You are able to take your own inventory, realize where you were wrong, and figure out how you intend to do things differently in order to have a different outcome in the future."

9. Don't stalk them on social media. According to Lisa Steadman, another relationship expert, you should completely purge them from your social media circle.

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10. Don't ask mutual friends about them. Steadman says not to obsess over what your ex is doing -- rather, you should be focusing on yourself!

11. Don't compare yourself to their new love interest. Comparing yourself to whoever your ex chooses after you will only make you feel worse or make it harder for you to move on.